Burkina Faso: International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers: Tribute to Peacekeepers
In Burkina Faso, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs paid tribute to the United Nations peacekeeping forces worldwide on this July, 18th. This commemoration took place on the occasion of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, observed annually on May 29.
«The peace starts with me» was the theme of the 75th anniversary of peacekeeping. Burkina Faso chose to celebrate this event belatedly on Monday.
Political, administrative, and military figures, as well as personnel from UN agencies, participated in the ceremony to pay homage to the thousands of soldiers (men and women) who have chosen to contribute to peacekeeping efforts around the world.
Burkina Faso is one of the 125 countries involved in the 12 UN peacekeeping missions worldwide.
As part of these operations, the country has lost soldiers in recent years, such as Lieutenant Ali Barro and Corporal Bouma Bamouni, who both fell in the theater of operations in Mali in June 2023.
These soldiers were deployed on the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) since October 11, 2022, as part of the 10th Burkinabe contingent.
Alain A. Akpadji, Acting Resident Coordinator of the United Nations, took the opportunity to salute the selflessness of these soldiers who dedicate their lives to peace. He emphasized that everyone should be inspired by their dedication, understanding that peace starts with each individual.
« Burkina Faso has played a catalytic role in peacekeeping operations, setting an example. Since its first participation in UN peace missions in 1991, the country has provided valiant military, police, and civilian personnel. The commitment of women in peace operations is also remarkable. I congratulate Chief Warrant Officer Alizeta Kaboré Kinda from Burkina Faso, who served with the MINUSMA Police and received the 2022 United Nations Female Police Officer of the Year Award for her work in building trust between authorities and local communities, including victims of gender-based violence», he recalled.
The Director of Peacekeeping Operations, Military Cooperation, and Disarmament at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Boukaré Baguian, stated that in 2022, around 2,000 Burkinabe peacekeepers were deployed in various theaters of operations in the sub-region and around the world.
« Don’t we need peacekeepers on Burkinabe soil? The deployment of our troops also contributes to the security of our borders. In Mali, for example, our troops also protect our borders. We have also redeployed our forces. Due to terrorism, the command has repatriated one battalion out of two. There is, therefore, synergy between internal and external military actions», he added.
Nicky Bonsafo
